The Indiana Agriculture and Technology School (IATS) is set to open its new Fort Wayne location this August, offering a unique educational experience centered around agriculture, with room for a range of disciplines. Initially catering to seventh through ninth graders, the charter school aims to provide hands-on learning experiences and personalized education, preparing students for various career paths with an agricultural perspective.
The school’s approach is far from traditional. With an initial enrollment of six students and expectations to reach around 60 for the first year, IATS plans to work closely with each student to tailor their education and find internships, mentorships, and other opportunities in their fields of interest. This method not only gives students a chance to make connections with future employers but also encourages them to take ownership of their learning.
“We want them to be connected with the industry of whatever career they think they’re going to go into,” said Executive Director Keith Marsh. This sentiment is echoed by Assistant Principal Kara Froning, who emphasized the importance of preparing students for their career pathways in high school. By seeing the real-world applications of their studies, students can better understand the relevance of their education.
The Fort Wayne campus, located at Come As You Are Community Church, will offer in-person programming five days a week. The school also operates in three other locations: Trafalgar, Rensselaer, and North Salem, where students attend farm campuses two days a week for project-based learning and complete other instruction virtually.
IATS plans to expand its high school program each year, adding 10th grade in fall 2026, 11th grade in 2027, and 12th grade in 2028. Despite this growth, Principal Tim Captain emphasized the importance of maintaining small class sizes to cater to individual student needs. This is particularly beneficial for students who may have struggled in traditional education settings, as the school works with them to set individual goals and accommodate different learning styles.
The school has already begun making connections in the Fort Wayne community, with all students having free family access to the Renaissance Point YMCA. Collaborations with Sweet Aviation and Parkview Health are also in the works. Additionally, the church’s outdoor space provides opportunities for projects such as building a greenhouse and opening pastures for goats.
IATS’s approach to education has significant implications for the future workforce. With more than 10% of jobs in the United States in agriculture, food, and related industries, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the school’s focus on agriculture and technology prepares students for a wide range of careers. By providing a tuition-free education with all materials, including a Chromebook, the school aims to make this unique learning experience accessible to all.
As the school grows, more teachers will be added, but the focus will always remain on personalized education. “If a parent or a student is looking for a more personalized, smaller learning environment, this is it,” Froning said. “We will be a family.” This sentiment captures the essence of IATS’s mission: to provide a supportive, personalized learning environment that prepares students for their future careers.